A17662:905
The Institution of Christian Religion
The institution of Christian religion, written in Latin by master John Calvin, and translated into English according to the authors last edition. Seen and allowed according to the order appointed in the Queens majesties injunctionsThe institution of Christian religion, vvrytten in Latine by maister Ihon Caluin, and translated into Englysh according to the authors last edition. Seen and allowed according to the order appointed in the Quenes maiesties iniunctions
London: printed by Reinolde Wolfe & Richard Harison, 1561London: printed by Reinolde VVolfe & Richarde Harison, 1561
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
But to discuss this, it behoveth to enquire what is that same so §22horrible offence, that shall have no forgiveness. Whereas Augustine in one place defineth it an obstinate stiffness even unto death, with despair of pardon, that doth not well agree with the very words of Christ, tha• it shall not be forgiven in this world. For either that is spoken in vain, or it may be committed in this life. But if Augustine's definition be true, then it is not committed, unless it continue even unto death. Whereas some other say, that he sinneth against the holy ghost, that envieth the grace bestowed upon his brother: I see not from whence that is fetched. But let us bring a true definition, which being ones proved with sure testimonies, shall easily by it sel•e overthrow all the rest. I say therefore, that they sin against the holy ghost, which of set purpose resist the truth of God, with brightness whereof they are so dazzled, that they can not pretend ignorance: which they do only to this end to res•st.1 For Christ meaning to expound that which he had said, immediately addeth: He that speaketh a word against the son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but he that blasphemeth against the holy ghost, shall not be forgiven. And Matthew, for the blasphemy against the holy Spirit, putteth the spirit of blasphemy. But how can a man speak a reproach against the Son, but it is also spoken against the holy ghost? They that stumble unaware against the truth of God, not knowing it, which do ignorantly speak evil of Christ, having yet this mind, that they would not extinguish the truth of God disclosed unto them, or ones with one word offend him, whom they had known to be the lords anointed: these men sin against the father and the son. So there are many at this day, that do most hatefully detest the doctrine of the Gospel, which if they did know it to be the doctrine of the Gospel, they would be ready to worship with all their heart. But they whose conscience is convinced, that it is the word of God which they forsake and fight against, and yet cease not to fight against it, they are said to blaspheme the holy ghost: forasmuch as they wrestle against the enlightening that is the work of the holy ghost. Such were many of the Jews, which when they could not resist the Spirit that spake by Stephen,